It is hard to be successful in business without the best talent on your team, but finding and keeping those superstar workers can be a challenge. You need to show that your business is a place where elite workers can thrive and be happy, and don't be afraid to pull out all the stops.

Sell the dream

Getting in on the ground floor of a new startup is exciting if you feel like it is going somewhere, so if you want those brilliant minds to join you, tell them about your grand vision for the business. Rather than just describing what you want them to do, tell them how their work will be contributing to a greater plan and where it is all heading. A lot of people would rather work for a business that is trying something new than join an already established company – make the decision easy by sharing your dream.

Crowdsource

Don't just rely on an impressive resume or interview to find the right talent for your company – give candidates a chance to show what they can do! Crowdsourcing a competition is an effective way to boost visibility, draw in talent and find out who has the skills that you want and need – simply pick a relevant task, offer a decent prize and see who nails it. Whether you are looking for a designer, a writer or an IT specialist, crowdsourcing will save you time and money in finding those elusive experts.

Sell the culture

Being a small business has its advantages, especially when it comes to workplace culture. Smaller teams mean you have the chance to take on greater roles and responsibilities, and therefore be involved in projects on a deeper level. Creating a positive workplace culture is easier with smaller teams, and using tools like employee recognition software can help enhance that culture by acknowledging individual contributions and boosting morale. Fewer employees means it is easier to get to know one another, especially if your business holds regular social gatherings, and it is gratifying to know that you are playing an important role in the company. The friendships and camaraderie of a cozy little group will also be very appealing to those who are tired of working for huge, faceless companies. Using employee engagement tools can enhance these connections by fostering better communication and collaboration within the team. Additionally, recognizing achievements with outstanding employee appreciation gift ideas can significantly boost morale and reinforce a culture of appreciation.

Empower them

Talented professionals obviously have a lot to offer, and they are far more likely to jump on board your business if they will have the opportunity to let loose. While you don't need to hand over total control of your business, flatten your hierarchy a little and empower your workers to not just make suggestions, but also decisions. If you want to attract staff who are there for more than just the money, encourage them to take greater ownership of their work. This sense of autonomy and responsibility not only motivates them but also helps them build their resume with meaningful accomplishments.

It’s equally important to address unconscious bias in the workplace, ensuring that all employees feel valued and heard, regardless of their background. By fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are encouraged, you’ll attract staff who are invested in more than just the paycheck.

You don't need to have a billion dollar budget to attract talent to your startup. Taking a simple, open and honest approach will go a long way. Ultimately, if in doubt, just think about what would impress you if you were looking to join a new team. One last tip from us. You may want to test your market first to see if your idea will succeed before launching your business. Validating your startup ideas is a crucial first step as it will minimize the risk of your business crashing and ensures that your talented employees can prosper with you.

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Written by Jo Sabin on Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Jo Sabin is Head of Designer Community at DesignCrowd. She's led the company's public relations and social media programs since 2012. With more than ten years' experience working with Australian and international tech startups in the creative industries, Jo has been instrumental in meeting DesignCrowd's objectives in Australia and abroad. Get in touch via Twitter.